Apparatus for eviscerating poultry and the like

ABSTRACT

A dressing tool includes a rotatable cutting means with an elongated probe member coaxially disposed therein. The probe member extends outwardly beyond the cutting means. The alimentary canal is cleaned by drawing a vacuum through the elongated probe which is to be inserted into the anus of the poultry. The anus is then drawn away from the body of the poultry by drawing a vacuum in the space between the probe and the cutting means. Another feature of this invention is directed to the use of a control mechanism to provide the necessary sequence of operations so that the dressing tool will operate automatically under assembly line conditions.

United States Patent m1 La Barber 11] 3,786,535 [4 1 Jan. 22, 1974'APPARATUS FOR EVISCERATING POULTRY AND THE LIKE Primary Examiner-LouisG. Mancene Assistant Examiner-D. L. Weinhold Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Neil F. Markva et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT A dressing tool includes a rotatable cutting means with anelongated probe member coaxially disposed therein. The probe memberextends outwardly beyond the cutting means. The alimentary canal iscleaned by drawing a vacuum through the elongated probe which is to beinserted into the anus of the poultry. The anus is then drawn away fromthe body of the poultry by drawing a vacuum in the space between theprobe and the cutting means. Another feature of this invention isdirected to the use of a control mechanism to provide the necessarysequence of operations so that the dressing tool will operateautomatically under assembly line 9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures [76]Inventor: Joseph A. La Barber, 501 Pebble v Beach Dr., Kern City, Calif.93309 [22] Filed: June 23, 1912 [21] Appl. No.: 265,953

[52] US. Cl 17/11 R [51] Int. Cl. A22b 3/08 [58] Field of Search 17/1 C,11 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,997,736 8/1961 Ine17/11 R 2,943,346 7/1960 Jensen 17/11 R conditions.

/0 a H l6 I4 2 a w APPARATUS FOR EVISCERATING POULTRY AND THE LIKEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dressing tools operating under compressedair and vacuum lines are very well known in the prior art. Such priorart dressing tools which are hand held are disclosed in US. Pat. Nos.2,590,785, 3,147,513 and 3,526,018. These prior art dressing tools oreviscerators generally use a rotatable cutting member in combinationwith a vacuum drawing mechanism to cut the area around the anus and pullthe entrails from the poultry being cleaned. The main problem associatedwith the latter two patented devices is that the main intestine is notsupported during the cutting operation. There is an extreme danger thatthe main intestine itself may be severed and the poultry consequentlycontaminated during the cutting operation.

The poultry dressing tool as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,590,785 uses asolid threaded probe which is inserted into the external opening of themain intestine and acts only as a guide for the rotating cutter. In thatparticular prior art device, the pilot or guide rotates as it enters thevent to provide support for the portion of the fowl to be removed.

In all of these prior art devices, the dressing or cleaning operationand the sequence associated with the operation of the dressing tools isleft completely to the operating personnel. The cleaning operation,therefore, is only as fast as the particular operating personnel happensto be. In addition, there is no insurance that the poultry being cleanedwith these devices will remain uncontaminated due to misplacement of therotating cutting device or a lack of removal of any waste materialpresent in the main intestine.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is toprovide a dressing tool or eviscerator for poultry and the like whereinthe cleaning operation may be effectuated under totallynon-contaminating conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hand held dressing toolfor poultry and the like which will enable rapid and efficient cleaningof the poultry in a manner that is not completely a function of theparticular operating personnel.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a completelyautomated, program controlled dressing tool for poultry and the like.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an evisceratorfor poultry and the like wherein the portion of the main intestineadjacent the vent is first evacuated before any cutting is effectuatedaround the vent.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hand held evisceratorfor poultry and the like which will pull the anus and the entrailsoutwardly from the fowl for a distance sufficient to allow the graspingthereof for subsequent removal operations.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an evisceratorthat is easily' handled during the cutting operation and may bethoroughly cleaned through a very simple immersion of the probe intoavailable water and allowing it to run through its operating cycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The dressing tool or eviscerator as describedherein includes a rotatable cutting means with a probe member coaxiallydisposed therewith. The elongated probe member is hollow and extendsoutwardly beyond the cutting means. Means are provided for drawing avacuum through the elongated probe means after it has been insertedthrough the external opening of the main intestine for the purpose ofremoving any waste material lodged therein. Means are provided forpulling a vacuum within the space between the probe member and therotatable cutting means after the cutting member has been placed againstthe area surrounding the vent of the poultry. Once the poultry has beencut, the device is pulled away from the poultry thereby carrying with itthe alimentary canal along with the fistula without causing anycontamination.

Another feature of this invention is directed to the specific automatedcontrol of the eviscerator. The entire operation is initiated bydepressing a single trigger which actuates the programmed control meansto effectuate the automatic sequence of operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other object of this invention will appearin the following description and appended claims, reference being madeto the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification whereinlike reference characters designate corresponding parts in the severalviews.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dressing tool made inaccordance with this invention,

FIG. 2 is a front end elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 11,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line lIIlIl of FIG. 11, and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the programmed control mechanismfor a system made in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, a dressing tool,generally designated 110., includes a hollow probe 11 coaxially disposedwithin a rotatable cutter member 12. The probe 11 extends outwardlybeyond the cutting edge of the cutting member 12. The cutting member 12is mounted on the rotatable mandrel 13 which is mounted on the bushing14 and held in place by way of the snap ring retainer 28. The bushing 14is slidably mounted on the hollow tubing 30 so that the entire mandrelrotates around the central axis of the tubing 30 and the probe member11. The probe is shaped at its end in a suitable manner to facilitateeasy insertion thereof into the vent of the fowl. The cutter member 12may be composed of any desired material which is extremely hard and willhold its cutting edge over an extended period of time. It has been foundthat stainless steel or hardened tool steel may be used to effectuatethe desired results. Various sizes of cutter members 112 may beinterchanged very rapidly to accommodate different sized poultry. Anydesired connecting means may be used to removably attach the cuttermember 12 to the mandrel 13.

An air driven motor 18 is mounted on base bracket 23. The motor shaft 19extends through an opening in the housing 16 and carries the pinion gear17 which is in operative contact with the inside gear ring 15. Screws 27fixedly attach the gear ring 15 to the mandrel 13. Actuation of themotor 18 therefore will rotate the cutter member 112 about its axis ofrotation which is coaxially disposed with respect to the fixedly mountedprobe member 11. i

The handle member 24 is also attached to the base bracket 23 andincludes the trigger 25 which may be depressed to activate the dressingtool. The housing 16 is composed of a plastic material in this specificembodiment. A plastic material such as Lexan, produced by GeneralElectric Co., is substantially unbreakable when used in such anapplication. Screws 26 are used to hold the housing 16 onto the basemember 23.

The handle 24 is shaped in such a manner as to allow the operator tohold the tool at an angle which will facilitate the rapid and accurateplacement of the probe 11 into the vent. The handle extends in adirection toward the front of the tool 10 at an angle of greater than 45and less than 90 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool. Thedesired angle will correspond to the angle at which the poultry isdisposed on the moving processing line located in front of the operatingpersonnel.

It is important that all the materials used in this particular apparatusbe in accordance with United States Department of Agricultureregulations inasmuch as there are no toxic materials to be in contact ornear the food product being processed. The apparatus 10 is operatedcompletely through the use of compressed air and vacuum lines therebyeliminating all necessity for the use of electricity in the area ofoperation. The use of this particular device 10 also eliminates thenecessity for the operating personnel to insert a finger into the ventand make the neccessary cuts for removal of the alimentary canal.

Another feature of this invention is directed to the control mechanism,generally designated 35, and shown schematically in FIG. 4. To operatethe dressing tool 10, it is necessary to have a compressed air source 36and a vacuum source 37. The normal compressed air line is rated at about80 to 90 p.s.i. and the vacuum lines are rated at about 20 to 25". Theseparticular sources may be already installed in a poultry dressing plant.However, it is possible that the use of a portable compressed air systemor a portable vacuum producing system may be incorporated into thecontrol mechanism. This would facilitate the use of the system made inaccordance with this invention in any conceivable operation.

The probe canal 22 and the hollow tubing 30 each form vacuum channelsand are in operable connection with the vacuum source 37. In thisspecific embodiment, once the system is turned on, a vacuum is drawnthrough the probe canal 22. Therefore, when the probe 11 is insertedinto the vent, any material present in the main intestine is immediatelyremoved therefrom and deposited in a refuse container of any desiredkind (not shown). Such refuse containers are readily available in theprior art and are commonly used in conjunction with vacuum linesgenerally.

Once the probe member 11 has been inserted fully into the mainintestine, the trigger 25 is depressed and the vacuum source 37 isoperatively connected to the hollow tubing 30. This hollow tubing 30opens up into the cutter chamber 21 defined by the space between theinner surface of the annular cutter member 12 and the outer surface ofthe probe member 11. When the vacuum is drawn on the hollow tubing 30,the anus is drawn into the cutting chamber 21. After a measured,

predetermined time interval, the motor 18 is activated to rotate thecutting member knife 12.

After cutting, the anus and alimentary canal are pulled out a sufficientdistance to be grasped for subsequent cutting and cleaning operationsand the trigger 25 is released. Consequently, the vacuum canals 22 and30 are open to the atmosphere. The vacuum source 37 remains disconnectedfrom either the probe canal 22 or the hollow tubing 30 for a measured,predetermined time interval to allow the entrails to be removed from theeviscerator it). After the time interval has elapsed, the probe canal 22is automatically once again operatively connected to the vacuum source37 and the tool 10 is in a ready position for insertion into the nextpoultry carcass.

In order to effectuate the above described sequential operation, thecontrol mechanism 35 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used. The controlmechanism includes a vacuum valve 38 which is located between the probecanal 22 and main vacuum source 37. The vacuum valve 38 is normally openand allows the vacuum to draw on the probe canal 22 at the time thesystem is initially started. A vacuum valve 39 is disposed between thecutter vacuum chamber 21 and the vacuum source 37. The vacuum valves 38and 39 are operated by compressed air at about 1 p.s.i. A first pressureregulator 40 is disposed after the compressed air source 36 and reducesthe air pressure to from about 40 to 60 p.s.i. for the balance of thesystem.

Line 42 directs compressed air into the pressure regulators 43 and 44where the line pressure is reduced to about 1 p.s.i. The NOT logiccircuit 46 maintains the vacuum valve 39 in a normally closed conditionas long as a pressure of l p.s.i. is present at the input port 45. Upondepression of the trigger 25 the l p.s.i. pressure of air at the inputport 45 is bled off into the atmosphere through line 47. Consequently,NOT circuit 46 into which supply line 42A is directed now produces anoutput signal activating vacuum valve 39 thereby connecting cuttingchamber 21 to vacuum source 37 by way of line 48. It is at this timethat the anus is held tightly against the vacuum chamber 21.

The vacuum on line 48 will produce a vacuum on the valve actuating line51 thereby causing air valve 52 to be energized. Once air valve 52 isactuated, an impulse is produced at port 53 of the AND logic amplifier54 which is connected to line 42 by way of line 42A. Once input impulsesare present at both the input 42A and input port 53, a pressure impulseis produced at output 55 to activate the timing logic circuit 56. Thetiming logic circuit 56 delays the activating of cutting motor 18 for anamount of time sufficient to allow the anus to be adequately into thecutting chamber 21.

After a predetermined time interval, an impulse is released from thetiming logic circuit 56 and fed into the air logic relay 57. An air timesignal is then sent over line 58 to open the normally closed air valve59. Upon opening of the air valve 59, air is released on line 60 toactuate the cutting motor 18 thereby rotating the cutting member 12.Through the use of this circuitry, it is possible to carefully controlboth the speed and the number of revolutions per minute that the cuttermember 12 will turn while it is drawn into contact with the area aroundthe anus.

The cutter member 12 will stop rotating automatically at the end of apredetermined time interval controlled at the logic relay circuitry 57.All of the logic devices used in the control mechanism 35 are old andwell known and may be obtained commercially.

Once the cutting member 12 has stopped rotating, he operator extractsthe anus and alimentary canal from the poultry carcass. Once theextraction has been effected, trigger 25 is released thereby causing a 1p.s.i. buildup at port 45 of the NOT logic circuit 46 and input port 62of the AND circuit 49. Activation of the NOT circuit 46 eliminates thesignal impulse to vacuum valve 39 and the vacuum is thus disconnectedfrom line 48 and the cutting vacuum chamber 21. At this point in theoperation, the anus and the alimentary canal are released from thevacuum chamber 21.

Additionally, after trigger 25 is released, the l p.s.i. pressure isalso present at the input port 62 of the AND logic circuit 49 which isalso in contact with the line 42 via line 42C. The resulting signalimpulse on output 64 is sent into the timing logic circuit 65.Consequently there is a delay of a predetermined time interval before asignal impulse reopens vacuum valve 38.

It is during this time interval when the vacuum is off both the cutterchamber 21 and the probe canal 22 that the anus and alimentary canal arereleased from the end of the dressing tool.10. Once the valve 38 isagain automatically opened, the line 50 is again openly connected to thevacuum source 37 to draw a vacuum through the probe canal 22 and thedressing tool is then ready for the operation to be repeated on the nextpoultry carcass.

The trigger 25 is depressed only after probe llll has been inserted intothe vent of the next carcass. Consequently, the line 47 is opened to theatmosphere and bleeds the 1 p.s.i. pressure off the input port 45 of theNOT circuit 46 and the input port 62 of the AND circuit 49. Therefore,the vacuum valve 39 is opened and the cutting vacuum chamber 21 isconnected to vacuum source 37 and at substantially the same time, thevacuum valve 38 is closed thereby disconnecting the probe canal 22 fromthe vacuum source 37.

While the method and apparatus for eviscerating poultry and the like hasbeen shown and described in detail, it is obvious that this invention isnot to be considered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, andthat changes in detail and construction may be made therein within thescope of the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, whatis claimed is:

1. A dressing tool for poultry and the like comprising:

a. a rotatable cutting means,

b. an elongated, hollow probe means coaxially disposed within saidrotatable cutting means and extending outwardly beyond the cuttingmeans,

0. first means for drawing a vacuum through the elongated probe means,

d. second means for drawing a vacuum in the space between the probemeans and the rotatable cutting means, and

e. means for rotating said cutting means while said second vacuumdrawing means is being operated.

2. A dressing tool as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotatable cuttingmeans includes a cylindrically shaped cutting knife adapted to berotated by saidrotating means. 3. A dressing tool as defined in claim 1wherein said rotatable cutting means includes a cylindrically shapedcutting member, and

said elongated, hollow probe means is fixedly mounted within said saidcutting member so that the cutting member will rotate therearound.

4. A dressing tool as defined in claim 1 wherein control means areoperatively connected to said rotatable cutting means and said first andsecond vacuum drawing means to provide automatic sequential operationthereof upon actuation of said dressing tool.

5. A dressing tool as defined in claim 4 wherein said first vacuumdrawing means includes a line extending from a vacuum source to thehollow probe means,

said control means includes a valve means located in said vacuum lineand a AND logic circuit and a timing logic circuit,

said timing logic circuit being connected to the output of the ANDcircuit and the input of the valve means.

6. A dressing tool as defined in claim 4 wherein said control meansincludes means for sequentially activating the first vacuum drawingmeans, said second vacuum drawing means and said rotating means in theirsequential order to effectuate the evisceration of a poultry carcass.

7. A system for dressing poultry and the like comprising:

a. at least one dressing tool having a rotatable cutting means and anelongated probe means coaxially disposed within said rotatable cuttingmeans,

b. a cutting vacuum chamber being defined by the space between the probemeans and the rotatable cutting means,

c. means for connecting said dressing tool to a compressed air sourceand a vacuum source, and

(1. control means for drawing a vacuum on the cutting vacuum chamber atthe same time that the cutting means is being rotated.

8. A system as defined in claim 7 wherein said control means includes avacuum valve for connecting the cutting vacuum chamber to the vacuumsource, a NOT logic circuit to control said vacuum valve and anactuating means for energizing said NOT circuit at a desired time.

9. A system as defined in claim 7 wherein said rotating means includesan air driven motor operatively connected to said rotatable cuttingmeans,

said control means includes a normally closed air valve disposed betweena compressed air source and the air driven motor, and means for openingsaid closed air valve to operate said cutting means,

said valve opening means including an AND logic circuit, timing circuitmeans connected to the output of said AND logic circuit, and an airvalve actuatable by drawing a vacuum thereon being connected to theinput of said AND logic circuit,

said AND logic circuit being additionally connected to a supply air linewhereby an output signal is generated to said timing circuit when avacuum is drawn on said air valve.

1. A dressing tool for poultry and the like comprising: a. a rotatablecutting means, b. an elongated, hollow probe means coaxially disposedwithin said rotatable cutting means and extending outwardly beyond thecutting means, c. first means for drawing a vacuum through the elongatedprobe means, d. second means for drawing a vacuum in the space betweenthe probe means and the rotatable cutting means, and e. means forrotating said cutting means while said second vacuum drawing means isbeing operated.
 2. A dressing tool as defined in claim 1 wherein saidrotatable cutting means includes a cylindrically shaped cutting knifeadapted to be rotated by said rotating means.
 3. A dressing tool asdefined in claim 1 wherein said rotatable cutting means includes acylindrically shaped cutting member, and said elongated, hollow probemeans is fixedly mounted within said said cutting member so that thecutting member will rotate therearound.
 4. A dressing tool as defined inclaim 1 wherein control means are operatively connected to saidrotatable cutting means and said first and second vacuum drawing meansto provide automatic sequential operation thereof upon actuation of saiddressing tool.
 5. A dressing tool as defined in claim 4 wherein saidfirst vacuum drawing means includes a line extending from a vacuumsource to the hollow probe means, said control means includes a valvemeans located in said vacuum line and a AND logic circuit and a timinglogic circuit, said timing logic circuit being connected to the outputof the AND circuit and the input of the valve means.
 6. A dressing toolas defined in claim 4 wherein said control means includes means forsequentially activating the first vacuum drawing means, said secondvacuum drawing means and said rotating means in their sequential orderto effectuate the evisceration of a poultry carcass.
 7. A system fordressing poultry and the like comprising: a. at least one dressing toolhaving a rotatable cutting means and an elongated probe means coaxiallydisposed within said rotatable cutting means, b. a cutting vacuumchamber being defined by the space between the probe means and therotatable cutting means, c. means for connecting said dressing tool to acompressed air source and a vacuum source, and d. control means fordrawing a vacuum on the cutting vacuum chamber at the same time that thecutting means is being rotated.
 8. A system as defined in claim 7wherein said control means includes a vacuum valve for connecting thecutting vacuum chamber to the vacuum source, a NOT logic circuit tocontrol said vacuum valve and an actuating means for energizing said NOTcircuit at a desired time.
 9. A system as defined in claim 7 whereinsaid rotating means includes an air driven motor operatively connectedto said rotatable cutting means, said control means includes a normallyclosed air vAlve disposed between a compressed air source and the airdriven motor, and means for opening said closed air valve to operatesaid cutting means, said valve opening means including an AND logiccircuit, timing circuit means connected to the output of said AND logiccircuit, and an air valve actuatable by drawing a vacuum thereon beingconnected to the input of said AND logic circuit, said AND logic circuitbeing additionally connected to a supply air line whereby an outputsignal is generated to said timing circuit when a vacuum is drawn onsaid air valve.